Local Groups
Something for everyone, most days of the week
Beyond Sunday worship, our five churches host a warm mix of clubs, choirs and gatherings — open to everyone in the villages, whatever your connection to church. If you’re looking for company, a cup of tea, or a way to get more involved, there’s likely a group already meeting near you. Get in touch with the named contact below to find out more or just turn up — everyone is genuinely welcome.
Men’s and Ladies Breakfast
The men meet at Little Harrowden Church for a Full English at 9am (£6 per head) — to book in, phone Andrew Henderson. The ladies meet for a continental breakfast (£3) at Gillian Walton’s home from 9.30am.
Ladies’ breakfast: Gillian Walton, 01933 557410
Faith Explorers
Got questions about church or faith you’ve never had the chance to ask? Whether you’re curious about coming along, or already have a faith and want to dig deeper, Faith Explorers is a small, informal group that meets online to talk it through.
Knit & Natter
Tea, coffee and cake, with knitting entirely optional. All welcome, whether you’re bringing a project or just good conversation.
Community Coffee
Tea, coffee and cake for £1.50 — a relaxed weekly drop-in for anyone in the village.
Mothers’ Union
You don’t need to be a mother, or female, to come along to the benefice Mothers’ Union, which meets monthly in one of the churches.
Church Choirs
Both Orlingbury and Isham have their own church choirs and would love to welcome new voices.
Isham choir: Lesley Marriott, 07990 966075, or Lynn Hogg, 01536 722351
At Orlingbury, regular services are Café Church (no robed choir) on the 1st Sunday of the month, and Holy Communion with choir on the 3rd Sunday, with choir practice usually the Wednesday before. All are welcome at any service — and if you sing with us regularly, please let Ellie know of any planned absences. If you’d like to join us as a Friend of the choir for special occasions, you’d be very welcome too.
Orlingbury choir dates — July to November 2026
- Wed 15 July – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Wed 29 July – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Wed 5 August – Choir practice, 7:30pm (venue TBC)
- Sat 8 August – Wedding at Great Harrowden, 1pm (rehearsal TBC)
- Wed 12 August – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Sun 16 August – Holy Communion, 11am
- Wed 16 September – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Sun 20 September – Holy Communion, 11am
- Wed 23 September – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Wed 30 September – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Wed 7 October – Choir practice, 7:30pm (venue TBC)
- Sun 11 October – Harvest Songs of Praise, Pytchley, 4pm
- Wed 14 October – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Sun 18 October – Holy Communion, 11am
- Wed 21 October – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Wed 28 October – Choir practice, 7:30pm
- Sun 1 November – Solemn Choral Evensong for All Saints, 6pm (rehearsal 4pm)
Looking further ahead: Remembrance Sunday, 8 November (service listing TBC); Advent Story, Sunday 29 November at 4pm (Wilby or Ecton Church).
Bell Ringers
Three ringing bands across the benefice, always keen to hear from anyone interested in learning.
Isham: Margaret Buchanan
Pytchley: contact the parish office
Orlingbury Lunch Club
Open to all — lunch is £15 a head, the bar is open, and there’s a quiz and raffle to keep things lively.
Joseph Manning Trust
A long-standing village charity supporting individual villagers in need, and sponsoring village events such as the annual OOAPS! pantomime and concerts through the year.
Orlingbury Eco Project
Based in the churchyard, the project has already won a Silver Award from the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust and is working towards Gold. Volunteers help with cutting grass, sowing seeds, weeding, and maintaining bug hotels, bird boxes and feeders.
Not sure which group is right for you?
Drop us a message and we’ll point you in the right direction — no obligation, just a friendly reply.
Get in touch →